The 260th Anniversary of the "Battle of Culloden"

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- of potential period interest.

The 260th Anniversary of the "Battle of Culloden"

Living History Weekend

This spring, the ninth annual Culloden battle reenactment and Living

History encampment will take place. The date is May 19-21 '06, and

the location will be Fort Loudoun State Historic Site in Fort

Loudoun, Pennsylvania. Those interested in Scottish and British

military history of the 18th century, Highland culture, and the 1745

Jacobite Rebellion in particular, mark your calendars and plan on

attending this unique event!

The '45, as it is called, represents not only a colorful period in

18th century history but also a dynamic time period in the

reenactment community and living history hobby. The '45 allows for

nobility, upper and lower class impressions, a wide variety of

military and civilian opportunities, historic scenarios, large scale

battles and intense small-party tacticals, all based on the events as

they happened. It's a time period that has refreshed the interest of

many seasoned re-enactors from the Civil War time period on down,

through the depth of character portrayal available. Yet, it's still

accessible to someone new to the hobby. Events have been held

throughout the United States and Canada focusing on various elements

of the 1745 campaign and also 18th century life in Scotland and

England.

Coinciding with the 260th anniversary of the actual battle of

Culloden fought April 16, 1746, the weekend promises to be the

biggest and best `45 event yet! More individuals and groups have

come on board, while impressions and authenticity standards have

achieved impressive levels. To highlight this year we have a great

site for the event which mirrors many of the terrain features found

on the original battlefield. Fort Loudoun has tremendous experience

staging living history weekends, including successful F&I and Civil

War events. The site, along with the exciting program planned,

promises to make this a memorable weekend.

Beyond the historic re-staging of the Battle of Culloden, the weekend

will actually entail two exciting battle scenarios, along with

numerous other activities and tacticals. Friday evening will feature

the torch-lit Clan Gathering and a recreation of the raising of

Bonnie Prince Charlie's standard at Glenfinnan. Saturday's program

will revolve around the period leading up to and including the

Jacobite capture of Edinburgh culminating in the Jacobite victory of

Prestonpans. Later, Highland games will be held for all interested

participants, which is always a highlight. The Government/British

army's camp will enjoy a festivity which actually took place on the

eve of the Culloden fight: the birthday celebration of its commander

the Duke of Cumberland.

Saturday evening, a ceilidh – a Gaelic term referring to a festive

gathering – will take place with all event participants invited.

This lively evening includes top-rate period music and a tavern.

Finally, Sunday will showcase the climactic battle of Culloden Moor;

of course an overwhelming victory for the forces loyal to King George

and the ultimate defeat for the rebel Jacobites….

Troop requirements and contact information follow below. Family

participation is of course allowed, but be advised that individual

registrations will not be accepted. Participants must belong to a

pre-registered military unit or clan group, and will be invited by

the host in order to ensure all site, safety and authenticity

concerns are met. Unaffiliated individuals and interested groups are

encouraged to make contact with one of the organizers in order to get

connected with an approved group since there are ones throughout

North America. In addition, assistance is available to create an

appropriate impression.

Commanding the Crown Forces will be George Reilly, who of late led

the British Army at the very successful "Braddock's Defeat" event.

Needed on the Crown side is: Regular infantry (both hatmen and

grenadiers), Royal Artillery, mounted dragoons and loyalist Highland

clansmen of the Argyll (Campbell) Militia.

For further information on the Crown Army, or to receive an

invitation, contact:

Malcolm MacWilliam

821 W. Siddonsburg Rd.

Dillsburg, PA 17019

717-432-8911

manyflags@...

Commanding the Army of King James will once again be Chris Timm,

portraying Prince Charles Edward Stuart. Needed on the

Jacobite/Rebel side is: Highland clansmen, Lowland militia, Royal

Eccosais (Scots in the French army), and artillery. Detailed

guidelines for Jacobite impressions are available at:

http://www.macfarlanescompany.org/guidelin...ines/page1.html

For further information on the Jacobite Army, or to receive an

invitation, contact:

Chris Timm

68 St. Vincent Street

Kitchener Ont N2H 4R3

519-742-3882

rebellionof1745@...

For more information regarding Fort Loudoun, and for Sutlers and

Merchants contact:

Fort Loudoun Historical Society

P.O. Box 181

Ft. Loudoun, PA 17224

717-369-3318

secretary@...

For additional information regarding the 1745 Rebellion, and those

who reenact it, go to the "Highlanders and Hanoverians" online

resource at:

http://www.kezarcelts.net/jacobite